Oklahoma lost a true local hero this month. James K. DeHaven passed away on June 16, 2026, after a brief but incredibly courageous battle with cancer. He was born on May 28, 1959. He spent his entire life showing people what it means to show up for your community.
James was a proud Norman kid through and through. He graduated from Norman High School back in 1977. He loved the simple pleasures of the Sooner State. You could often find him hiking the quiet trails around Lake Thunderbird or tending to his beloved fruit and pine trees.
He also had a wonderful sense of humor and some fun passions. He was a die-hard fan of OU Softball and rarely missed a game when cheering with his family. He also had a legendary fascination with Bigfoot. He loved collecting memorabilia and sharing his latest theories with anyone who would listen.
Professionally, James spent 23 years dedicating his life to Integris Emergency Management. His colleagues knew him as a rock. He was the kind of guy who simply could not say no if he knew he could help someone. He had a brilliant sarcasm and wit that made every tough shift brighter.
For 26 years, he served as the absolute heartbeat of the local marathon medical team. He built a safety net from scratch. He brought together finish line staff, course medical teams, HAM radio operators, and EMSA personnel to keep thousands of runners safe every single year.
His heart for service ran incredibly deep. He served as Chairman at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. He even received the Spirit Award for his dedication to preserving the memories of those affected by the 1995 bombing. He never asked for the spotlight, but his impact was massive.
Above all the titles and achievements, his greatest love was his family. His daughter Amanda and his grandchildren were his ultimate source of pride. He passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness that this community will never forget.
